Now that I'm a mom, my situational awareness is out of control. I have always been a very trusting person. I've left my car and home unlocked. I greet most strangers with a smile. I assume the best in people. But now I'm slightly paranoid. Sometimes I'll lie in bed at night and think about what I'd do if I were alone and a fire started. How quickly could I grab both babies and anything important? If someone were to break into our home how could I hide the kids and pretend it was only me there? I know, so dumb.
The other day I opened the door to a charming young man. He was going door to door selling children's books and encyclopedias. He was adorable. I'm guessing 21 years old, traveling from the Czech Republic with a super cute accent. It was over 90 degrees and he asked for 'five minutes of my time' to show me and the kids the material he was selling. I invited him in. Whatever, he was harmless. But as soon as he walked in my mind started racing and all I could think about was the hot guy with the accent on the movie Taken. Oh my gosh! This is the same thing! Cute, friendly guy luring me in and here I am falling for the trap and next thing I know a band of Albanian kidnappers are going to burst through our door to drag me off to a life of sex slavery and my children will be sold- BUT WAIT. It's actually just a kid traveling abroad selling books to stay at home moms.
I listened to his pitch and politely declined. All the while Max and Ella were climbing all over him. Ella kept putting her finger up her nose and then rubbing his arm. Max thought it was hilarious to put his blanket on top of the guy's head. I could tell he was trying to act like it didn't bother him but I'm sure he was thanking god for the birth control he used last night. Anyway, my point is that sometimes I create these ridiculous scenarios in my head. And it really wasn't like this before. I've just got this mama bear thing going on where I've got to protect my babies. Anyone else become slightly paranoid after becoming a mom?
p.s. Don't worry, my kids won't grow up in fear. I don't let them know we are about to be abducted, it's just the stuff that runs through my head. I'll teach them to use discernment and trust their gut, but to also look for the good in people. Even so, I will tell them to lock the car and house.
5 comments:
I'm not a mom but I have these thoughts on occassion. I can totally relate to all that you've just said!
100% YES!! I do the exact same thing. It's so hard not to let your mind go there. It's because we are entrusted to love & protect the most valuable thing we have: our babies. Being a parent is so scary. You have so much more to lose. It's just natural that we worry and fret a little.
This is a nightly thing for me. I hear EVERY little noise and am so paranoid that someone will try to break in or something bad will happen. I had to stop watching the news at night b/c it was making it way worse. Ben thinks I'm nuts, lol.
oh my gosh M, hilarious!! and even though I can't stand being an empty nester I do not miss those days... yup! I had them too!! the "what if" game sucks!
xo
j
The same EXACT guy came to my house last week and I thought the EXACT same thing. I actually didnt let him in my house so Im more paranoid than you ! Ha.
and seriously... he really was the same guy... 6'2 handsome, tan, and sandy brown hair.....it was so weird.
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